Hold Me Forever (A Hockey Romance)

by Layla Hagen

  "What's the problem with that?"

  "I don't want you to be sore tomorrow."

  I shimmied in the bed. "I’m a little bit sore already. But I don't mind."

  "That ass of yours is perfection."

  "So you're an ass man?" I asked.

  "Not sure. I’m conflicted. I'm going to worship every part of you."

  I turned around as he moved his hands down from my shoulder to my waist, touching the sides of my breasts on the way. "I thought you said I'd be too sore."

  "I can make you come in other ways, babe."

  "That you can. But remember, we left off somewhere else. I was the one exploring you."

  He flashed me a slow, lazy smile. "Yeah we did, and I liked it a lot."

  "See? Let's get back to that. So, how do you know this massage?”

  "We learned a few techniques. It helps with muscle soreness.”

  “Hey, any time you need someone to take care of you, just call me and I'm your girl," I said.

  "You'd do that?"

  "Yes I would. But you’d have to give me precise instructions."

  "I love giving instructions," he replied.

  My eyes widened. "Yeah, I noticed. I like it. I didn't think I would, but I do. So... instruct away, Tyler."

  He captured my mouth. This kiss was different than the ones before. It was like he wanted to own me, body and soul, and I hoped he never stopped kissing me.

  I wanted this to last forever.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tyler

  The next afternoon, my brother Tate invited us to one of the vineyards he owned about an hour away from Chicago to try out two new wines he planned to bring on the market. We often had get-togethers like this, though usually it was scheduled in advance. It was more of a catch-up time with the family, because he didn’t actually need our opinions. I drove there with Reese and Travis, as it made no sense for everyone to drive their own car.

  “How was your field trip?” Reese asked.

  “It was great. The kids had a lot of fun. And so did I.”

  Fun was an understatement. Spending time with Kendra was addictive. The more I got, the more I wanted. I drove home early in the morning, and that was only because she had to go to work today.

  Reese half turned to me in the back. “Sooo... Kendra still likes you, or did she come to her senses?”

  “Any particular reason you’re mean today?”

  She grinned. “Several.”

  “Dude, next time you put Luke on a mission, tell him not to be so obvious. He was pestering Reese during the party,” Travis said.

  Reese rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I had a lot of fun when I wasn’t running away from Luke, who was doing your dirty work.”

  I grimaced. “Not dirty work. But he’s better at getting stuff out of you.”

  “Next time you want to know how I am, just ask me. I have nothing to hide. And I’m gonna tell you exactly what I told Luke. I’m not doing too well. I thought I’d gotten over... well, everything. I certainly felt better the last couple months. But then I saw some pictures of them on Facebook. They announced they’re going to have a baby, and it messed me up. And with Kimberly away... Anyway, that’s my life right now. Two steps forward, one step back. But I’ll get there eventually.”

  I had no clue what to say to that. We needed Kimberly back, but she was happy in Paris, so Reese was stuck with six half-useful cousins. Though she and Lexi were quite close, so at least there was that.

  We arrived last. Tate and Lexi came with Mom and Dad. Luke and Declan came together. Gran had stayed back in Chicago with Paisley.

  “Ha! I knew you three would be last,” Luke exclaimed when Reese, Travis, and I stepped inside the cellar. Everyone was standing around the huge wooden table in the middle of the basement. The walls were filled with bottles from floor to ceiling.

  “Hey, we like to make an entrance,” Reese said, theatrically throwing her hair over her shoulder.

  “If you want to pick on anyone, pick on Tyler. He’s the one who made us late,” Travis said.

  I scoffed. “Thanks for having my back, dude.”

  Travis held his hands up in defense. “It’s true.”

  “Punctuality is not my forte,” I admitted. “How about we all accept it as a fact instead of giving me shit every time?”

  Luke winked at me. “Never. I live for the small pleasures in life, brother.”

  “Now, now, Luke. It’s too early for you to torment your brothers.” Mom looked once around the room, making eye contact with each of us. “And no surprises, okay?”

  “Mom, we’re adults now,” Luke said reasonably.

  Travis nodded. “Yeah. If we were to prank you, it would be in a more evolved way.”

  Luke grinned. Declan shook his head. We pranked Mom once, twelve years ago, when Tate asked us here for the first tasting. Luke put tequila in her glass instead. I’d strategically put a glass of “water” next to her, knowing she’d reach for it. It was also full of tequila. All these years later, Mom was still scarred by it all. She warned us every time that we were in for it if we ever pranked her like that again.

  Dad chuckled, putting an arm around her shoulders and kissing her temple. I’d never seen my parents fight. Not once. I was sure they'd had their misunderstandings over the years, but we didn’t get wind of it. They gave us the best childhood possible.

  “Gather up, gang. It’s officially happy hour,” Tate said. "Thanks for coming up here on such short notice. My team and I only decided on Thursday to add these to the list of wines we’re considering. We’ll be quick, and then everyone can go ahead with their Saturday plans. I’ve got the first one here. My lovely fiancée already tasted it, and she said it's great."

  "Hey,” Travis protested. "Why did she get to before us?"

  Declan shook his head. "Man, you get engaged, and suddenly we’re second-class citizens."

  Tate winked at Declan. "Wait until you're engaged, and then you'll see. I can't say no to her."

  "He really can't," Lexi said.

  "Oh, your brothers don't know what it's like to be in love," Mom said. "Don't mind them."

  "I don't," Tate assured her. "Okay, everyone. We've got two bottles. Let me know what you think."

  Dad and Travis uncorked the bottles of white wine. Tate poured enough in each glass for two or three swigs. I didn't have the wine bug the way Tate did—he and Dad could spend hours on the vineyard next to our house when we were kids—but I did appreciate a good glass of wine. I twirled the glass, inhaling the aroma. Then I took a sip, swishing the liquid in my mouth. It had a hint of smokiness.

  "I like this one," I declared.

  “It’s too heavy for a white for me,” Travis said, “but you know my taste is different. I’m like the adopted kid when it comes to wine.”

  Everyone proceeded to give their thoughts. Dad was the most opinionated, but the man knew his wines.

  Travis came up next to me. Reese was right behind him. "Hey, man, they uploaded new pics from the first game, and you’re in a few. You didn't look all that unhappy, especially with that blonde all over you."

  I looked up from my glass at Travis. "What are you talking about? What blonde?"

  "You didn't check the Facebook posts?"

  "No, I’ve avoided social media since the fucking video," I said.

  "Oh, right. I’ll show you," Travis said, tapping his phone screen. Reese stepped between us, looking at the screen too.

  “Oooh, is that Kendra? Is that why you didn’t want us hanging out with you?” Reese asked.

  I groaned. “It’s not Kendra. It was a fan who wanted me to sign her skin.” I took the phone, looking closer. The photo was blurred, but it looked like we were kissing or about to. “Fuck.”

  Had Kendra seen this at all? She was important to me, and I wouldn’t want her to get the wrong impression with this stupid picture.

  "What's wrong?" Reese asked.

  "I don't know if Kendra saw this."

  Her
face lit up. "Wait, does that mean there's something going on between the two of you? What happened on the trip?" she singsonged.

  “I’m going to call her,” I said, stepping away from the group. There was no signal down here, so I went up the cellar steps and headed outside, pacing in front of the building as I called her. It went straight to voice mail. I tried a second time with the same result.

  I went back to the group, taking my place between Travis and Reese.

  Reese looked at me but didn’t get a chance to ask anything because Tate spoke.

  “I have the next one ready.” He poured a bottle in fresh glasses. Technically you could do the tasting in the same glass, as there was minimal aftertaste, but it was clearer this way.

  The bottle was three months older than the last one, and it tasted even better. The smokiness was much more intense.

  “Son, this is my new favorite,” Dad exclaimed.

  Mom, Lexi, and Declan all weighed in with details, but my mind was on Kendra. We hadn't set any rules, obviously, but if I saw a picture of her with another dude, I’d lose my cool.

  Maybe she didn’t see it.

  After everyone gave their opinion on the second wine, we ate bread and cheese, Reese, Travis, and I sharing a plate. Usually, Tate gave us something between tastings to clear the palate, but since we were only trying out two today, it wasn’t necessary.

  “What did Kendra say?” Reese asked me.

  “Call went to voice mail.”

  “Did you try again?”

  “Yeah, three times.”

  "Wait, you've called her several times?" Reese asked.

  "Yeah."

  "I'm just putting it out there, but she might be purposely not answering your calls."

  Travis grimaced. “Yeah, man. Not a good sign. Not that I’m an expert.”

  Fuck. That was my instinct too, but I didn’t want to creep her out with twenty calls.

  I went closer to the steps of the cellar and sent her a message. There was enough signal for that.

  Tyler: Kendra, I need to talk to you. I'm not sure if you saw the picture, but it's not what it looked like. I know it sounds cliché, but it's not. Call me when you see this.

  Going back to the group, I saw the party was already breaking up. The tastings never lasted long, because typically Tate had a conference with his team once it was over, giving them our feedback. Besides, since this was a last-minute thing, most of us had plans for the rest of the day. Mine consisted of watching some old games and hopefully talking to Kendra.

  “Everyone, thanks for coming,” Tate said. “This was helpful. I’m going to discuss your input with the team. It’ll make for great marketing copy.”

  Travis patted my shoulder. He’d linked an arm with Reese. “Ready to go?”

  “Sure.”

  We all left at the same time, except Lexi and Tate—he was doing the conference on his laptop from here, and she’d wait for him to finish—and Mom and Dad, who decided to walk around the vineyard.

  I checked my phone as soon as I was in the car. Kendra had replied.

  Kendra: My phone was on mute. I’m at the Local Arts and Crafts Festival. I’m going to a dinner thing for work in one hour. Anyway, it’s super loud. I did see the picture.

  Fuck. I needed to find her and explain everything. I didn't want her to think I was dicking around.

  "Anyone know anything about the Local Arts and Crafts Festival?" I asked.

  Reese perked up. "Oh yeah, they've got several bands and lots of booths selling handmade items and local crafts. It's in Millennium Park. Why?"

  "Kendra’s there. That's why she couldn't pick up. I'm going to go there after you drop me off at home."

  They were silent for a bit, and then Travis said, "You know, it would be much faster if we just drop you off there.”

  “And we promise to stay in the car and not peek, or come with you unless you want us to," Reese said.

  I burst out laughing. "You think I need chaperones?"

  "Honestly, I'm not sure," Travis said.

  "Oh fuck off," I said good-naturedly.

  "So, should we go to the fair?" Reese asked, looking far too excited.

  It was smart to go directly there. Especially since Kendra was leaving for her dinner soon.

  "Hey, why not, man?” Travis asked. “We can vouch for you. You're a good guy and have a good head on those shoulders. You have good taste in women most of the time. Well, judging by Blair, actually, no."

  "Travis, darling, I think you shouldn't talk at all," Reese noted.

  "I have a better idea. Why don't both of you keep quiet?" I grumbled.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kendra

  "We can just grow old together and buy cats," Emma said, trying on a hat from The Hat Booth.

  "I do like cats," I said.

  "Want to continue our ‘spill-it’ conversation?" she asked, looking at me from under the huge pink hat. It actually looked good on her.

  I shook my head. "No. That pic took the wind out of my sails," I confessed.

  This morning, I called my sister and had one of our spill-it sessions. Like a good sister, this afternoon, she texted me a picture from the game, asking me if I was sure Tyler was single. The question shocked me because, honestly, I didn't even think about asking. I didn't take a good look at the picture at first, but once I zoomed in a bit and saw how close they were, I zoomed right back out. But it was branded in my brain.

  I wanted to be reasonable. It was before we even kissed. But I was really hoping she wasn't his girlfriend or something, because I absolutely didn't want to be participating in cheating in any way. My heart had already shriveled to the size of a peanut, though. I tried to cling to those happy moments during our trip and last night, but a small voice kept taunting me: You don’t really think you can be this happy, do you?

  “Do you want to talk to him?” she asked, taking a sip of her pumpkin spice latte. Every booth seemed to have at least a pumpkin on the counter. Some were plain, and some had the typical Halloween eyes and mouth carved out.

  “He did text me saying he wants to explain.” Which I thought was good. It meant he cared. I knew he’d dated a bit; he’d said as much. But was it dated or dating—as in present tense? I was petrified at the thought that I might have been fooling around with someone who was in a relationship.

  “That’s a good sign.”

  “But let’s not talk about him anymore, okay? Let’s enjoy the fair.”

  I loved going out with my sister. Emma talked me into coming to the festival after work. Well, in between work was more appropriate. I was having dinner with some past volunteers who wanted an update on a project we’d started together. I only had about half an hour left before I had to go to the restaurant, which was only a couple blocks away.

  The fair was lively and packed, and I loved the energy. There were booths lined up all over the perimeter. The band played a number of catchy songs. They were talented, but it was too loud for my taste. Currently, we were looking at stands with trinkets, colorful jewelry, and hats. I wasn't buying anything, but I was giving my opinion to Emma.

  "Those earrings would look fabulous on you," she said, pointing to a pair with dangling half-moons.

  I shook my head, "No can do. After I move and stop paying rent, I'll finally be able to spoil myself a bit, but until then, I'm going to suck it up."

  "I can buy them for you," she said excitedly.

  "No, no, no, I won't hear of it." I appreciated the thought, but Emma didn’t need to be spending her money on me.

  “Oh, come on, sis. You've always bought me things. Let me do the same for you now, please? Pretty pleaaaase?"

  I shook my head, dragging my sister away from the stand before she got other ideas. "No. I'm the older sister. You don't get to invite me or buy anything for me."

  “One of these days, I’ll change your mind on that.”

  "Let’s change the subject. How was your date?" I asked. "You haven't said one word about t
he guy, so I'm assuming it didn't go well."

  She scrunched her nose. "No, that was one of the worst dates I've had, and I didn't think it was possible to surpass the guy who showed up half an hour later and then shamelessly told me he was coming from a date and had one after me."

  I grimaced. "Okay, I won’t ask for details, then.”

  “Exactly. I don’t think I like these online dating apps at all.”

  “Told you they’re tricky. You can’t really tell anything about a person when they’re hiding behind a screen.”

  “Let’s focus on finding a hat. I’ve decided I need one. They have touristy prices here, but I like supporting local artists. Give me your honest opinion.”

  She tried on five different hats. One looked like something out of The Great Gatsby, but it looked great on her. Two had a round, decent bowl, and the other two had huge ones. I didn’t like the last two.

  “I understand huge hats in the summer. They protect you from the sun. But when it’s cold out, they’re just weird.”

  “Yeah, you’re right.” Turning to the sales associate, she handed her the black one with a small rim. “I’m taking this one.”

  She paid quickly, and then we scoured the perimeter, deciding what to do next.

  "Hey, isn't that Tyler there?" She pointed to the entrance booth.

  I turned around abruptly, and my heart somersaulted.

  “Oh wow.”

  "What's he doing here?" she asked. "Did you tell him where we are?"

  "Yeah, I did. But..."

  "Oh my God, then he must be here to talk to you. Oh look, I think he's spotted us."

  He had indeed. I also noticed two people behind him, a man and a woman.

  "I'm staying right here next to you," Emma exclaimed.

  "Thanks."

  Tyler walked straight to us.

  "Hi, you must be Emma," he said, looking at my sister.

  "Yes I am. Nice to meet you, Tyler."

  "This is my brother Travis and my cousin Reese," he said, and they both waved.

  "Hey, nice to meet you both," I said.

  "I want to talk to you, Kendra," Tyler said without further ado, looking straight at me.

  I steeled myself, rolling my shoulders. "Okay."